Whales Accumulate 50M XRP as Exchange Reserves Fall to Two-Year Low — Supply Shock Risk
Ripple whales reportedly bought roughly 50 million XRP (~$103M) over the past week, raising whale-held balances from ~3.52B to ~3.58B XRP, peaking near 3.6B before minor outflows, according to Santiment data cited by analyst Ali Charts. Concurrently, exchange reserves (example: Binance) have declined from above 3B XRP before the October 2025 crash to about 2.6B XRP — the lowest in roughly two years per CryptoQuant. Lower exchange reserves and growing whale accumulation can reduce circulating supply and create a potential supply shock that may support higher prices. XRP is trading near $2.05 and remains below key resistance levels; analysts note a decisive break above $2.50 would signal a clearer recovery toward the July 2025 highs above $3.6. While whale accumulation is bullish in principle, wallets’ intentions vary (cold storage vs. trading), so outcomes are uncertain. Key metrics: ~50M XRP added by whales (~$103M), whale holdings ~3.58B XRP, exchange reserves ~2.6B XRP, current XRP price ~$2.05.
Bullish
The news signals a bullish bias because two supply-side indicators are moving in a direction that can support price appreciation: (1) notable whale accumulation (~50M XRP) increasing large-holder balances, and (2) declining exchange reserves (~2.6B XRP) removing supply from active markets. Historically, similar patterns—substantial off-exchange accumulation plus falling exchange inventories—have tightened available selling liquidity and preceded strong rallies or sharper short-term price spikes for many altcoins. Short-term implications: reduced sell-side liquidity can amplify upside moves on positive catalysts or low-volume demand, increasing volatility and creating trading opportunities (breakout plays, short squeezes). Traders should watch on-chain flows, whale wallet activity, and exchange inflows/outflows for confirmations; a sudden return of supply to exchanges or coordinated whale selling would negate the bullish case. Long-term implications: sustained accumulation and continued low exchange reserves could underpin a multi-month recovery, though fundamentals (regulatory developments, macro conditions, XRP-specific news) remain crucial. Risk: whales may re-distribute tokens between exchanges and cold wallets, and not all accumulation equals holding — some whales provide liquidity or plan staged selling. Conclusion: probable bullish impact if current trends persist, but monitor exchange reserve reversals and price action around $2.50 and $3.60 for confirmation.